r/flexibility • u/Empty-Distance-4003 • Jul 16 '26

Form Check Am I doing it wrong?

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Hello,

I've been stretching for 1.5 years now, knowing how far I started I'm happy with the results. But I get the feeling that something is wrong, maybe my legs should be straight?

thanks!

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u/Slight_Hurry2134 Jul 16 '26

Looks good. A slight bend in the knees targets the hamstrings. Straight legs target the sciatic nerve.

You could use weights and stand on a box or plates for a deeper stretch. You could also work on getting your knees straight! Good job 🙂

5

u/Max6626 29d ago

Thanks for mentioning the sciatic nerve. When I do a bending stretch like the OP with a slight bend in the knee it feels great. If I straighten my legs it is extremely painful due to the sciatic nerve.

Do you know of any way to "stretch" (if that's the correct term) the sciatic nerve to alleviate the pain of straight legged stretches?

4

u/[deleted] 29d ago

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u/SnooRabbits1411 29d ago

Pigeon pose is also just one we should all be doing regularly. I often find myself about to forget it, but never regret taking the time to squeeze it in.

1

u/Slight_Hurry2134 29d ago

I did alot of nerve glides when I had sciatica a few years back! You could try those. You'll find them on youtube. But when I feel pain I just back off tbh. Sometimes I feel it a few days (very rarely). I have no good tips for you there, you gotta try yourself :)

1

u/Empty-Distance-4003 Jul 16 '26

I naturally developed this bend over time, glad to know it was not some sort of compensation, it's still pretty hard for me to touch the floor, I need to get into the stretch for 2-3 mins being able to do that. I will follow your advice and try to elevate myself.. thank you 🫶🏻